More information about Fiji is available on the Fiji Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-FIJI RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Fiji in 1971 following its independence from the United Kingdom. Relations between Fiji and the United States have traditionally been excellent. The two countries share a multi-ethnic heritage, a common outlook on Pacific Island regional issues, and alignment on major UN voting questions.

In September 2014, Fiji held elections that restored a democratically elected government and parliament to Fiji for the first time since 2006. The United States participated in a Multinational Observer Group representing 13 countries which assessed the elections to be broadly representative of the will of the Fijian people. Subsequent to the election, the United States has re-initiated security assistance and has lifted restrictions on U.S. financing assistance to the Government of Fiji that were put in place following the 2006 coup.

U.S. Assistance to Fiji

From 2006 through 2014, the United States provided relatively little direct bilateral development assistance to Fiji, but contributed through its membership in multilateral agencies and USAID funding of regional environmental projects. Small U.S. grants continue to contribute to civil society, journalism, environmental protection, and anti-human-trafficking efforts. Law enforcement cooperation assists port security, rule of law professionalism, intellectual property rights, and disaster preparedness and response. Assistance in 2014 included grants to support voter education and elections observers. There is a Peace Corps program in Fiji.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Fiji's economy is shifting from a reliance on sugar and textiles to a focus on tourism and related industries. The United States has been among Fiji's principal trading partners. The main products imported to the U.S. from Fiji include bottled water, tuna, and sugar. U.S. exports to Fiji are mainly machinery, transport equipment, and food. Fiji and the United States do not have a bilateral investment agreement. Tourism and remittances including from the United States contributes significantly to the Fijian economy.

Fiji's Membership in International Organizations

Fiji and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and World Trade Organization.